Q&A: Best Cushion or Radiant Diamond for $8K Budget

Thank you very much for your education on the diamond industry. I had done a good bit of research before a friend recommended your site, and i was well prepared for the second-tier learning you offer. I also appreciate the James Allen recommendation, that site is great.

I am looking at a fixed budget purchase for the highest quality diamond i can get. that budget is 8000 and down…with 8000 being the most i really want to pay but doesnt mean a nice well balanced 6k diamond is out of the question at all.

I am looking for exclusively Cushion or Radiant diamonds, my real preference being the square cushions and am thinking i can possibly get something around 1.1-1.2 carats, G color (though you recommend slightly higher for these cuts), VS2/SI1…it is going to be set on a white gold ring with two .15 carat pears on the side, and the band tapers into the point on the pears which face away from the center stone.

I look forward to your insight, thank you! I realize the cut makes it more difficult but that is her desire.

Thanks Ira, these are great. I especially like the 1.51C diamond.

What do you think about this one as a comp? i like it all except that the girdle is very thick…any thoughts on that as a trait?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1281552.asp

Also, am i correct in that most jewelers will put the ring together for me if i bring the diamond in (the few ive spoken to have said yes with minimal enthusiasm)…but i am too smart to buy the diamond from them…too much juice on the price.

Thanks

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and one more…this diamond caught me real hard in a way none other did. is that center flaw of concern to you? The specs match your reccomendations.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1289511.asp

Thank you! Thats great to know. My finals are between these two; the 1.22 carat is a G but doesnt look as brilliant as the 1.53 H, though i imagine photography has something to do with it. Can i get one final opinion, and then i am going to buy. I assume if i go to the james allen link on your site and put in the chosen diamond’s code, then you will get proper credit for your help?

Thank you Ira

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Radiant-Diamond-1277232.asp

Yeah im quite partial to that one. Thanks Ira! You are a truly great resource and educator for this Right of Passage.

Ira-

just got back home and had diamond waiting for me. It looks great! choosing what looked like the flatest, broaded table on the cushion was a good decision, it has the effect that i had hoped for. i would like to see what E clarity would look like next to it, but all in all i dont think it will be a big deal….great diamond, cut is phenomenal, and that somewhat significant feather inclusion is not noticeable whatsoever.

Thanks!

Done.

[LINK TO REVIEW]

the jeweler was impressed at the deal i got on my diamond…